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Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function in intrinsic non-atopic asthma
Thorax
|October 1, 1975
Summary
Intrinsic asthma patients with persistent wheezing showed normal adrenocortical and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses. This suggests HPA axis dysfunction is not a common cause of intrinsic asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Intrinsic asthma is a non-allergic respiratory condition characterized by persistent wheezing.
- The role of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in asthma pathophysiology requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adrenocortical and HPA axis responsiveness in patients with intrinsic asthma.
- To determine if HPA axis impairment contributes to the development or persistence of intrinsic asthma.
Main Methods:
- Assessed adrenocortical response to prolonged Tetracosactin Depot stimulation in 16 patients.
- Evaluated HPA axis response to insulin-induced stress in a subgroup of 6 patients.
Main Results:
- All 16 patients demonstrated normal adrenocortical responses.
- The subgroup of 6 patients exhibited normal HPA axis function during insulin stress testing.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic asthma patients exhibit normal adrenocortical reserve.
- HPA axis responsiveness is preserved in intrinsic asthma, indicating it's unlikely a primary factor.